Respondents give multiple reasons for not using the internet – majority believes they do not need it.
A global survey conducted by Avast, a global leader in digital security and privacy solutions, reveals a digital generation gap: The proportion of internet non-users is highest among the elderly. Yet senior* citizens could benefit from digital services, especially in times like the pandemic, and while some respondents categorically reject the internet, others would take the plunge if they could get help from friends or family.
Of the 2,700 people aged 55 and older surveyed worldwide by telephone, 42% use the internet regularly, 31% occasionally, and 27% never. Half of the respondents are retired and the proportion of people who do not use the internet increases with age: While only 17% of people aged 55-60 do not use the internet, the proportion goes up to 39% among people aged 75 and over. In a country comparison, respondents in Russia, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand are the most active online; in Brazil, France, Mexico and Spain, many older people still use the internet little or not at all, and 88% of all people globally not using the internet, have never used it so far.
The reasons why respondents do not use the internet at all varied: 59% answered that they think they do not need it, 42% find it too complicated, 37% rely on family and friends if they need something done online, and 36% shy away from using it because of cyber risks. Another 36% feel too old for it, and 28% claim it is too expensive, while 15% simply reject the internet.
“The age group over 60 years old, in particular, struggles the most and, according to our survey, this applies equally to men and women. The challenges start with choosing the right devices and software. Properly configuring privacy settings, setting up devices and a Wi-Fi network are also insurmountable hurdles for many as well as ongoing maintenance,” said Jaya Baloo, Chief Information Security Officer at Avast.
Many older people would venture into the digital world if they had support
While 24% of the internet non-users surveyed can imagine using the internet, for 76% it is currently out of the question to ever go online. 43% of those who are not confident doing things online claim it bothers them, and 41% would like help from friends or family, for example, with online activities.
When it comes to security, one-third are not concerned at all, 27% are slightly concerned, and 44% are afraid of cybercrime, with identity theft, data breaches, stolen passwords and malware including ransomware the biggest concerns among older people. Stalkerware, spam, fake news and insecure public Wi-Fi networks, on the other hand, worry respondents the least.
“We were able to determine through our survey that there is a likely correlation between the amount of time people spend on the internet and their confidence in using it,” Jaya Baloo continued. “In general, it does bother people that they feel a bit insecure and awkward using the internet and many also feel they are a burden to others if they have to ask them for help.”
In order to participate in the online world, elderly people in many countries can seek external help in addition to turning to family and friends. For example, adult education centers often offer beginners’ courses for senior citizens, there are free internet meeting places in various cities or non-profit organizations such as the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in the United States that provide advice and support for older people when it comes to the internet.
